In a news release Monday, the Georgia Senate announced it passed a bill, Senate Resolution 1, on the first day of the 2013 legislative session to amend the Senate rules and cap gifts from any registered lobbyist or group of registered lobbyists at $100 per item, event or meal.

The Senate voted 42-14, with two members abstaining. It will now go to the House, which must approve the bill. Then it must be signed by the governor to become law.

The local senators voting yes for the bill were: District 56’s John Albers, R-Roswell, who represents part of Sandy Springs; District 6’s Hunter Hill, R-Smyrna, who represents Vinings and parts of Buckhead and Sandy Springs; District 32’s Judson Hill, R-Marietta, who represents part of Sandy Springs;

District 36’s Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta, who represents part of Buckhead; and District 38’s Horacena Tate, D-Atlanta, who represents part of Buckhead; and District 39’s Vincent Fort, D-Atlanta, who represents part of Buckhead; voted no.

The new rule originates from proactive efforts by the Senate to solicit input from both senators and citizens on how to effectively address lobbyist expenditure concerns.

However, gifts of $100 or more can be made to a Senate committee or subcommittee.

Any violations of the $100 gift cap will be subject to review by the Senate Ethics Committee.

o o o

In other news, Hunter Hill, who was elected to his first term in November, was one of four deputy whips selected by Senate Majority Whip Cecil Staton, R-Macon, for this year’s General Assembly. Hill represents Vinings and parts of Buckhead and Sandy Springs. The others elected are Buddy Carter, R-Pooler; (chief deputy whip), Fran Millar, R-Dunwoody (senior deputy whip); and Burt Jones, R-Milledgeville (deputy whip).

Deputy whips are primarily responsible for facilitating daily administrative duties within the caucus and legislative body.